Peace makers held hostage in Iraq
AN APPEAL FROM LANGLEY HILL MONTHLY MEETING, RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS, TO THE PEOPLE HOLDING TOM FOX AND THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE CHRISTIAN PEACEMAKER TEAM
Tom Fox, now being held captive in Iraq, is a beloved and longstanding member of our Quaker worship community. One of our strongly held beliefs is that if we listen, God can guide our lives. Before Tom went to Iraq, we considered with him his sense that he was being inspired by God to do what he could to relieve the suffering of individual Iraqis and to serve peace and justice. We were aware of the danger he faced. He went with our support and continues to have our support and love. We know Tom very well and can affirm that he is neither a spy nor an evangelist.
The tenets of our Quaker faith ask us to work for peace in the world and to respect that of God in everyone. That is what led Tom to go to Iraq. We believe strongly in justice, mercy, and peace. We opposed this war as we oppose all wars. We believe in a God that is compassionate and merciful, as do the people of Iraq.
We ask you as an act of justice, mercy, and devotion to release Tom and the other Christian Peacemaker Team members so that they can continue their work on behalf of those who suffer.
Releasing the captives, so that they can continue to serve the Iraqi people, would be an act of dignity and courage.
Signed,
Langley Hill Monthly Meeting
Religious Society of Friends
Doug Smith, Clerk
WHO WE ARE: We are Langley Hill Monthly Meeting, of the Religious Society of Friends, the Meeting of Tom Fox, the member of the Christian Peacemaker Team from America who is being held hostage.
WHAT WE ARE DOING: We are holding a public candlelight vigil for Tom Fox, other members of Christian Peacemaker Teams held with him, those who have taken them hostage, and the many individuals and families that have been negatively impacted by this war. The vigil will be held at Clarendon Metro Park, Arlington, Virginia, on Wednesday, Dec 7 from 7:00-9:00 pm EST. This park is at the Clarendon Metro stop between Wilson and Clarendon Blvds. We will read the text of Tom’s work as found on his weblog:
www.waitinginthelight.blogspot.com. Bring candles and dress warmly.
WHAT WE ARE ASKING: For each and everyone to join us by:
Attending Wednesday evening’s vigil in Clarendon.
Holding a similutaneous candlelight vigil in your community
If you cannot attend a vigil, then holding your own personal vigil; putting a candle in your window or on your front lawn
Reading Tom’s postings found on his website waitinginthelight.blogspot.com
Holding Tom and his fellow CPT team members in the Light, seeking their safe and immediate release, and also those who suffer similar situations of captivity. We ask you to also hold their captors in the Light, that they might see why they must release their captives.
We know that many people throughout the world have made efforts to secure the release of these hostages and we are grateful for their support.
More information is available from these sites:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/12/6/5127/96441